Pakistan snooker team returns home after winning IBSF world snooker championship

KARACHI: Pakistan snooker team returned home early Saturday after winning the IBSF World Snooker Championship in Egypt. However, they were disappointed with the attitude of the government as no one congratulated them from the government side.
Holding glittering trophies in their hands, Alamgir Sheikh, co-chairman PBSA told media after receiving the players at Karachi airport that forget them announcing anything, they didn’t even say anything to congratulate the players.
Players were received by officials of Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association at Karachi airport. However, not a single government official was present on the occasion.
Pakistan team, comprising of Muhammad Asif and Babar Masih, won the title after beating countrymen Muhammad Sajjad and Asjad Iqbal in the final as both the finalist teams were from Pakistan — a first in the history of snooker.
Players were also disappointed at being neglected by the government, yet still expressed commitment to win more titles for Pakistan.
“When the cricket team won the Champions Trophy, everyone was here to welcome them, everyone announced rewards for them, but nothing of that sort has been done for us, which is disappointing,” said Muhammad Asif, who has now five major titles in snooker for the country.
“It is disappointing, yet we are committed to bring more laurels for the country,” he said.
“I request the government to pay attention to snooker the way it pays attention to cricket or other sports,” said Muhammad Sajjad, who was runner up in team championship and won Asian 6 reds earlier.
“This step-motherly treatment will demoralise snooker players and push performers to oblivion,” he added.